Mike McKnight is on the Free Outside Podcast, and this one goes all over the place in the best way. We talk about his jump into Hyrox, why it might be more of a runner sport than people think, and what it was like dealing with a brutal back injury that left him unable to run but somehow still riding 200 miles on a bike.

https://www.freeoutside.com/outdoor-march-madness

We also get into his massive 2026 schedule, including five 200-mile races, Hardrock, and launching the Old Ephraim 200, a race that finishes at the same ski area where he once broke his back. Mike talks about what it takes to get a race permitted, how he thinks about goals across a huge season, why he is not big on pacers, and what actually makes him so good at 200-mile races.

Then, naturally, we end up talking about sleep deprivation, childhood farm life, dissociation in ultras, a possible Colorado Trail head-to-head FKT showdown, and Mike’s deep love for the Backstreet Boys.

This one is funny, honest, and full of the kind of ultra running rabbit holes I love.

Support our Sponsors:

Sawyer: https://sawyerdirect.net/

Janji (code: Freeoutside): https://snp.link/a0bfb726

CS Coffee: CSinstant.coffee

Garage Grown Gear: https://snp.link/db1ba8ab

Subscribe to Substack: http://freeoutside.substack.com

Support this content on patreon: HTTP://patreon.com/freeoutside

Buy my book "Free Outside" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39LpoSF

Email me to buy a signed copy of my book, "Free Outside" at jeff@freeoutside.com

Watch the movie about setting the record on the Colorado Trail: https://tubitv.com/movies/100019916/free-outside

Website: www.Freeoutside.com

Instagram: thefreeoutside

facebook: www.facebook.com/freeoutside

#Trailrunning #Runningnews #Outdoors #Outdooradventure